Guan Gong and Zhou Cang

Currently not on view

Guan Gong and Zhou Cang

Stele made in 1574

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Also known as Guan Yu (c. 162–219), Guan Gong is a historical figure who fought for one of the contending lords of the Three Kingdoms (220–280). Widely-known for his military prowess and moral righteousness, he came to be worshiped as the God of War during the Ming dynasty. This rubbing, taken from a stele in the Cishou Temple just outside of Beijing, attests to the addition of Guan Gong into the pantheon of latter-day Chinese Buddhism. He is usually depicted together with his underling, Zhou Cang, who holds Guan’s famous Blue Dragon Crescent Blade, which is said to weigh more than one hundred pounds.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Guan Gong and Zhou Cang
Guan Wu Di

Date:

Stele made in 1574

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Stone rubbing mounted on silk paper as a hanging scroll

Dimensions:

Overall: 6 feet 7 inches × 49 1/2 inches (200.7 × 125.7 cm)

Classification:

Prints

Credit Line:

Gift of Major General and Mrs. William Crozier, 1944

Accession Number:

1944-20-86

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Period: Wanli Period (1573-1620)

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Currently not on view